SYDNEY — Although Cape Breton University students won’t be hitting the books until Monday, move-in day at CBU residences marked a new chapter in the lives of first-year students at the post-secondary institution.

“I’m expecting everybody to be really friendly and I am looking forward to meeting a bunch of people and having great new experiences,” said newly arrived Melanie Maillet, who will begin her first year of music studies.

The 18-year-old from Dartmouth was found earlier this week strolling the campus with newfound friend Becca Ross, 18, of Pictou County.

“We’re down early because it’s frosh week and there’s lots of stuff going on,” said Ross.

All CBU students are invited to take part in a wide variety of weeklong activities that wrap up Sunday with a parent orientation and soccer matches featuring both the men and women Capers.

Returning student David Piche, a residence director, was on hand Monday to welcome new arrivals to MacDonald Residence.

“It’s all about making them feel comfortable,” said Piche, who hails from the Annapolis Valley. “We’re here this week to introduce them to people and to make sure they know that we are easy to come and talk to.”

Fellow residence director Brennan Boudreau of Cheticamp said many first-year students feel uneasy when they suddenly find themselves living in a residence far from home.

“We’re here to settle them in and show them around and point out where to go for classes, for dining, for events and to make them feel at home,” said Boudreau.

Second-year business students Toby Babalola of Toronto and Louis Esangbedo of Nigeria were on hand to welcome the new students to residence life.

“We went through this and we just want to tell them to enjoy CBU,” said Babalola.

Esangbedo had some practical advice regarding academics.

“Try to avoid the distractions and make time for the books,” he said.

Connor Ross-MacDonald made the trek from St. Catherines, Ont., to CBU with his father Peter Ross and stepmother Karen Crouse.

“I’m excited to be here,” said a beaming Ross-MacDonald, who was busy with his parents transporting his belongings into residence.

Frosh week activities this week at CBU include a bonfire, live music, party at Dominion beach, comedy shows, Caperlympics which includes giant hamster balls and the week-ending soccer matches at the nearby Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex turf.

For more information on frosh week, call the hotline at 902-563-1192 or visit the frosh40.ca website.